It’s a case of third time lucky for Hythe Town after signing striker Jake Embery.

The Cannons twice saw moves for Embery fall through last season but he’s their player now following an impressive trial.

The 23-year-old was available after leaving Sheppey and manager Steve Watt will give him every opportunity to rediscover the form that saw him earn a move to Maidstone from Herne Bay as a teenager.

He’s been at a number of clubs since then, including spells at Margate, Tonbridge, Carshalton and Faversham, and just needs to settle down somewhere.

“Last year, we agreed something a couple of times and it fell through,” said Watt.

“This year he’s come in on trial, he’s done really well, we’ve all been impressed with him and it’s third time lucky.

“I think one of the reasons he fits us so well is because things haven’t gone for him.

“He got his move to Maidstone and since then it’s been stop-start for him.

“I don’t know the reasons behind that - Jake would know more than me - but he’s in a place and an environment where we look after players who have had that kind of career.

“Players who have been let go or messed around at clubs have found an environment here where they can go and excel and that’s what I think he can do.

“I’m looking forward to having him in, with the environment we’ve got here.

“I’m an easy manager to play for in a lot of respects but hard to play for in others because of what I demand from the players.

“I ask players for everything and I think he’s come in and bought into that.

“The first conversation I had with him last year, I said you know where you stand with me.

“If you aren’t playing I’m not going to mess you around, I’ll move you on.

“Likewise, I’m going to give you the opportunities you need to excel.

“I’m not going to ask you to do things you can’t do. I’m going to ask you to be you - and the best version of you.

“That’s what I like to do as a manager when I sign players.

“I’m not signing him to be a big targetman up front, I’m signing him because he’s a goalscorer, and I’ll put people around him so he can be the best he can be, just like we did with Johan Caney Bryan last season.

“That’s my job as a manager, to fit all the players into positions where they can excel and maximise their potential.

“In return, that hopefully gives us good results.

“The combination of Jo and Jake looks very good but it doesn’t mean I’ll go with two up just because I’ve got these players.

“I’ll pick a team and a shape and a system to what I think we need in each game.

“If we need extra bodies in midfield we’ll have to sacrifice playing two up top. If the game needs two up, I’ll play that way.

“What it does is give us the option of two up top, that classic big man, small man - not that Jake is small - but the presence of Jo and the striker who’s constantly trying to get on the shoulder and get in behind.”

Hythe drew 0-0 with Faversham in their opening pre-season friendly on Tuesday last week.

Liam Smith, Caney-Bryan and a Frannie Collin penalty secured a 3-0 win over Lordswood on Saturday.

The Cannons, who drew 1-1 at Rochester last night, visit Tonbridge this Saturday.